Krista Degaetano is a pioneer of Contemporary Dance in the UAE. Krista’s dance group will be the opening act at the Dubai Dance Festival 2010 held at Madinat Theatre on 3rd and 4th June, 2010.
When Krista first arrived in the UAE a few years ago there was not a very big dance scene.
“Dubai is a fascinating place. It’s full of things that are growing. It aims to be the best at all things! Even though Contemporary Dance is not as common as Salsa, hip hop or Flamenco here in Dubai, I am beginning to see how there is a craving for this technical but free spirited type of dance which is giving me all the more inspiration and drive to stay here and set it up!†explains Krista.
Dancing since she was three years old, Krista trained in Malta till 15 dancing ballet, jazz, hip hop and singing. She then formed part of a Theatre Company, M.A.D.CÂ for 7 years performing at the National Theatre over 7 Musicals and Shows including Greece, Kiss Me Kate, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, South Pacific, West Side Story, Othello, Marriage of Figaro, as well as National Pantomimes (Robin Hood, Cinderella, and Rapunzell).
She then formed part of a Lyrical Contemporary Company , Moving Bodies, were she performed and played principal roles in various productions around Malta .
Krista decided to train professionally in the U.K and got a scholarship at Body Work Dance Studios in Cambridge for 2 years were she trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap and voice with famous artists such as Philip Foster, Theresa Kerr amongst others.
She then got accepted at one of the most prestigious Contemporary Dance Schools in Europe for three years, Laban, were she graduated with an (Hons)Degree in Contemporary Dance Theatre. She trained and performed professionally in London with established and famous artists such as Garry Lambert, Susan Sentler, Rosemary Brant, Kerry Nichols, Valerie Dunlop Preston Tom Dale and many others. She was also chosen by Shobana Jeyasingh ( London Choreographer) to be part of the Olympic Handover event on St.Pauls Steps in London.
She trained in many Contemporary styles including Cunningham, Graham, Release , Limon, Contact Improvisation , Ballet and Choreography during her degree. Her choreographies were chosen to be performed at the Bonnie Bird in London and was also asked to choreograph for the Secretary General of the Queen of England ‘s Commonwealth of Nations .
She also choreographed and collaborated with Trinity of Music ( London) ,Musicians and performed in various locations and for various events around London.
She is now here in the U.A.E to train dancers in various Contemporary styles and provide an exciting and new way of moving which is entertaining, technical and full of life.
